1956 Classic Named One of the Best Westerns - Last Film With James Dean as a Leading Man Before He Died

The 1956 western Giant has been named among the best Westerns.

Giant, directed by George Stevens, has been ranked by Rotten Tomatoeson their list of 100 Best Western Movies of All Time. The review aggregator has ranked the film at number 23. The film also has an audience rating of 87% on the website.

The cast features prominent actors from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Rock Hudson plays Bick Benedict, a wealthy Texas rancher, who marries socialite Leslie Lynnton, played by Elizabeth Taylor. Leslie catches the attention of ranchhand Jett Rink, played by James Dean, and the film focuses on the rivalry between the two men as their fortunes change over the years.

Like the Edna Ferber novel it is adapted from, Giant's main themes revolve around racism. Early in the film, Jett points out the harsh living conditions of the Hispanic workers to Leslie. She urges her husband to improve their circumstances, including finding medical care for Angel (Sal Mineo), the son of one of the workers. Bick opposes having their family doctor treat non-white patients.

Later, Leslie and Bick's son Jordy (Dennis Hopper) marries Juana (Elsa Cárdenas), the Hispanic daughter of the doctor who treated Angel. Now, wealthy Jett, who once pointed out the racial disparities, becomes angry after Leslie's daughter rejects him and orders that no Hispanics be served at his hotel. Bick later tries to stop a Hispanic family from being kicked out of a diner. Leslie comforts Bick by explaining that their grandchildren, one white and one Hispanic, are their legacy.

James Dean had only three films in which he played a leading role, and Giant was his last. Dean died in a car accident in 1955 after filming but before the movie's release. He was posthumously nominated for an Academy Award for his role. He never saw the release of Giant or Rebel Without A Cause, though he did see East of Eden before his death.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 27, 2026 at 6:22 PM.